Following its successful debut in 2024, MLB’s Spring Breakout series returns for its sophomore showing in 2025, offering baseball fans a unique opportunity to get a glimpse of tomorrow’s stars. The showcase, running from March 13-16, features 16 matchups across Arizona and Florida spring training sites, with each MLB club assembling rosters of 20-25 of their best prospects.
The exhibition was designed to bring Minor League talent to Major League fields, creating a moment to spotlight baseball’s next generation. For the Cleveland Guardians’ matchup against Seattle on Friday, March 14, fans are in for a special treat – this game will feature nine of MLB’s Top 100 prospects, making it one of the most talent-rich contests of the showcase.
Five Under-the-Radar Guardians Prospects to Watch
While top prospects Travis Bazzana and Jaison Chourio might grab the headlines at this year’s Spring Breakout game, the Guardians’ system runs deeper than many fans might realize. Here are five prospects who deserve your attention when Cleveland’s future stars take the field.
Welbyn Francisca, SS/2B
MLB.com Guardians Prospect Ranking: #6
The Guardians signed Francisca in January 2023 for $1.375 million as their top international signing of that year. The investment is already showing promise, as he’s climbed to become a top 10 prospect in the organization and has been chosen as a breakout candidate for the 2025 Minor League season. Across the low minors last year, Francisca batted .327 with 7 HR, 43 RBI, and 19 stolen bases.
Josh Hartle, LHP
MLB.com Guardians Prospect Ranking: #23
The Guardians acquired Hartle from the Pirates this offseason, along with Luis Ortiz and Michael Kennedy. Standing 6-foot-5, the left-hander was Pittsburgh’s 3rd round pick out of Wake Forest in the 2024 Draft. Once considered a possible mid-rotation arm, his stock plummeted quite a bit last year, making him a perfect fit for Cleveland’s highly regarded pitching development program.
Luis Merejo, 1B
MLB.com Guardians Prospect Ranking: #29
Merejo brings something different to the Guardians’ system – raw power that sets him apart from the organization’s typical contact-first prospects. The young slugger made waves at Single-A Lynchburg last season batting .282 with a .372 on-base percentage. Those numbers coupled with his potential pop could make Merejo an impact bat.
Austin Peterson, RHP
MLB.com Guardians Prospect Ranking: #30
Drafted in the 9th round of the 2022 MLB Draft, Peterson turned heads in 2024 with a remarkable season across High-A Lake County and Double-A Akron. The 6-foot-6 right-hander posted a 2.64 ERA over 160 innings and catch this – he only issued 21 walks the entire season. Now that’s pinpoint control! Peterson uses his towering frame to create deception and extension, making him one of the Guardians’ fastest risers.
Alex Mooney, 3B/SS
MLB.com Guardians Prospect Ranking: Not Ranked
Selected by the Guardians in the 7th round of the 2023 Draft out of Duke, Mooney’s path to Cleveland came after an impressive collegiate career. In 2021, he was ranked as Michigan’s best high school prospect and actually drew some first-round attention. Last season at Lake County, Mooney had 12 HR, 55 RBI, and 43 steals.
While these five prospects do not top Cleveland’s prospect lists, they represent the depth that has made the Guardians’ farm system one of baseball’s best. Each brings a unique skill set and development path that could see them impacting the major league club in the coming years.
For fans watching the Spring Breakout game, keep an eye on these names. They might not be the ones you tuned in to see, but they might just be the ones you remember most when the game is over.
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